Chapter 69

Julia had hoped she and Henry could continue living separate lives without intersecting, neither bringing up the past. But once the harmony was shattered, there was no way to undo it.

Henry saw the complexity in her shifting gaze—defiance mingled with vulnerability—and it made him deeply uncomfortable.

As Julia brought up their history, he found himself uncharacteristically speechless, even regretful. He regretted ever mentioning to the headmaster about expelling Joseph and Stephen.

Downstairs, the sensitive Tiffany heard Julia's raised voice. While her nanny was busy, having turned on cartoons to entertain her, Tiffany seized the opportunity. Clutching her stuffed toy, she crept upstairs to eavesdrop.

When she heard Julia demanding why Henry had expelled Joseph and Stephen, Tiffany waited for her father's explanation. But Henry remained silent.

Tiffany realized this was true, and her little face crumpled in anger.

She thought, 'Bad daddy. Daddy is a big liar!'

He'd promised he wouldn't expel Joseph and Stephen, so why did he do it anyway?

In frustration, Tiffany threw her stuffed toy—a gift from Henry—onto the floor and stormed back to her bedroom without looking back.

The soft toy landed silently on the floor, but both Henry and Julia noticed it.

Henry stared at the discarded toy, feeling a headache coming on. Just when his relationship with his daughter had improved, when she'd finally been willing to spend time with him, she'd overheard their conversation and misunderstood him again.

Taking a deep breath, Henry said with visible distress, "I did initially consider expelling Joseph and Stephen. Tiffany adamantly refused and threw quite a tantrum. Afterward, I promised her I would never expel them. If there's been some misunderstanding, I can call right now to find out what happened."

Julia assumed this was just an excuse. The headmaster was his employee. The expulsion had been carried out by his people. If Henry called now pretending to question the headmaster, of course the headmaster would cover for him.

Julia said coldly, "Henry, things have gone this far, and you're still treating me like a fool?"

Henry grew increasingly frustrated, wanting to explain, but Julia had already lost faith in him. "Henry! I truly wish I had never met you in this lifetime!" With that, she turned and left the Hearst Mansion.

Henry's expression darkened hearing those words. Watching Julia's retreating figure, he felt something indescribable rise within him.

With a cold expression, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant, "Find out what's happening at the preschool. Why would they defy my orders?"

His assistant, hearing Henry's fury, immediately responded, "Right away, sir!"

Julia drove away from Henry's house, initially heading home. But as she got closer, she felt increasingly distressed.

She had failed to protect her children, and they were suffering because of her.

How would Henry feel if he knew he was targeting his own sons? And what about Joseph and Stephen—how would they react if they knew their biological father had expelled them?

Julia took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down.

Henry's actions against Joseph and Stephen made one thing clear: He would likely never acknowledge them as his sons.

Perhaps it was for the best. With Joseph and Stephen no longer attending the Hearst Family preschool, she could use this opportunity to completely sever ties with Henry.

From now on, they would go their separate ways forever. 

Having rationalized everything, Julia drove home.

Joseph and Stephen, under Caroline's care, had already eaten dinner and bathed. The three were snuggled on the couch watching television when they heard the door open.

Julia had composed herself well, showing no signs of distress to her children. She brought them snacks and told them to head upstairs for bed after eating.

Being obedient children, they did as they were told, leaving Julia and Caroline alone in the living room within half an hour.

Finally, Julia dropped her facade, revealing the strain she'd been concealing.

Caroline immediately noticed her friend's distress. "What's wrong, Julia? What happened?"

After a brief hesitation, Julia recounted everything to Caroline.

Hearing how Henry had targeted Joseph and Stephen, Caroline was furious. "Has Henry lost his mind? Why drag innocent children into his issues with you? Is that how a real man acts?"

Julia gave a resigned smile. "Don't you think this is better in a way?"

"Better? Julia, has the stress driven you mad?"

Julia shook her head. "No, I'm not crazy. I've just gained clarity. This way, Joseph, Stephen, and I can completely separate ourselves from him. I no longer have to worry about him trying to take them away."

Caroline sighed heavily. "Your adult issues might be resolved, but what about Joseph and Stephen? They've only been at this preschool for a few days. Tomorrow they won't return, moving to yet another school. How will you explain this to them?"

This was precisely what troubled Julia. She sighed, "I'll think of something to tell them."

After talking a while longer, they retired to their respective bedrooms for the night.

Early the next morning, Joseph and Stephen were already awake, having eaten the breakfast Lexine prepared, and were patiently waiting for their mother to take them to preschool.

Julia, who had spent most of the night trying to come up with a suitable explanation, took a deep breath when she saw them waiting.

"Boys, Mommy's been thinking for a while, and I believe preschool might be a waste of time given your abilities. How about instead, I enroll you in special interest classes? You won't need to go to school today; you'll start these classes instead."

Joseph and Stephen didn't immediately comprehend.

Julia continued, "Now it's your turn. Tell Mommy what classes you'd like to take, and I'll make it happen."

The boys exchanged a puzzled glance before turning to Julia with unexpected insight. "Mommy, why aren't we going to preschool anymore? We haven't said goodbye to Tiffany. She might cry if she doesn't see us."

Julia thought of all her interactions with Henry and his daughter, especially after yesterday's events, and felt a bitter irony.

She replied, "Don't worry about that. Mommy will say goodbye to Tiffany for you. Now, get ready. We're going to process your withdrawal from the school shortly."